The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1887-02-17
Tho Farmers Platform.

AOhihucu VI lno Vi uGl VI luo UuooI VdIlou
that Words were made to conceal ideas"
Under mass of adrOit sentences Mr..
Grattan succeeded in securing an endorse
ment of the naked free trade doctrine,
represent class, the interests of which
lie precisely in the opposite direction
From the author, we are not surprised to
see such an emanation. Mr.. Grattan, We
believe, has been consistent and persis
tent "reyenue reformer," with considera-
bly, m Jre honesty than his party. There
were other gentlemen present, whose
names were mentioned in connection with
the proceedings of the Assembly, who have
not heretofore held to such opinions, nor
do we believe for moment that they will,
after consideration, endorse the document
put forth as an expression of their views.
To do so, can and will have no other effect
than to array against them majority of
the thinking, intelligent farmers of the
State. If there is one thing that the peo-
pie of Virginia, irrespective of class, are
determined upon, 1t Is opposition to the
Democratic tariff idea. The paper under
consideration is but reassertion of that
idea in its most ultra and offensive form,
except in the single demand for the aboli-
tion of the tax on tobacco and fruit BRAN
dies. 1t is simply the first step to commit.
ting the agriculturists of this state to align
menU with a political party. Whether or
not that was its object, we do not pretend
to say, but certain it is that would be its
effect if the programme laid down were
carried out.
The sp rit of the whole is fifty illustra.
ted by article 3, which reads: THAT any
law passed by Congress the effect of which
is to compel one class of people to buy of
another class by prohibiting the importa-
ton of foreign goods necessarially increas-
es the price of the thing bought to the
buyer"
This is but another way of repeating
the oft diSpioved assertion that the duty
is added TO the price of the article, wheth-
er the article be imported or not If this
were really true, which it is not, the far
IL
the duty is added to the price, then the
farmer receives 90 cents per bushel more
for his wheat than he otherwise would,
for the import tax on wheat is 20 cents
per bushel for the same reason his corn
brings him 10 cents per bushel more oats
10 cents ;~ye Is cents, and so on. AS a
matter of fact the price of his grain is not
affected by the tariff, because no grain is
imported. And for like reason no article
that he Uses cost him copper more on &C
count of the tariff-being manufactured at
home there is no duty to pay. What is
it that regulates the price of his grain
1t is internal competition, and the same
rule applies to everything that he buys
for there is not one farmer in a thousand
who ever uses an imported article.
Another part of this platform which to us
indicates want of proper consideration is
the clause absolutely prohibiting railroads
from owning either directly or indirectly
real or personal property other than &C
tuaIly necessary for their business of com
mon carriers A law to carry out that
demand would be the most serious blow
that could fall upon Virginia. Had such
a law been in force, the beautiful and pros
porous city of Roanoke would have been
a pasture field !; the rich coal belt of South
west Virginia would lave remained a val
ueless wilderness: the attractions of Luray
caverns and Natural Bridge would have
been enjoyed by few besides the residents
OF the neighborhood. and the hundreds of
thousands of dollars that have sought in
. vestment in Virginia would have re-
manned locked in the vaults of northern
banks. What the farmers of Virginia
need more than anything else is home
market. where every product of their farms
grain, fruit, egetables-will find a de
mand. In no way can this end be SO surely
reached as by the development of the min
eral wealth of the state. 1t is matter OF
small concern who makes the development
r 1t is a matter of grave Importance that
the devel opment be made. Ii through the
fundamentally of railroads and the effort
of their owners, capital is brought to Vir'
ginia, and the dead wastes converted into
seats of active industry, we fancy that
those who will reap the tenefit from the
new order of things, will hardly refuse the
blessings .ecause the hand that holds them
out is the hand of a railroad corporation
Let them all come, individuals. railroads
or other corporations and plant their cap
ital here. There IS field enough for the
operation of all-there is welcome for all
and they who would restrict any.class from
aiding in the upbuilding of the ole state
can scarcely be regarded as either the
friends or representatives of Virginia far
mers.
The Farmers Movement will scarcely be
crowned with signal success, if it is steered
by the course marked out in Richmond
last week There was but one practical
suggestion made-the repeal of the inter
nal revenue in part. The rest were mere
generalities-som good, but the majority
directly against the interests of the tillers
of the soil. If we are not mistaken, the
men who actually hold the pillow, will be
the first to rise and condemn the declar-
ton made for them by these assumed rep
resentativeS.
w W. Larkin, lawyer of Lynchburg,
was indicted in the Hastings Court of that
city for barratry and champerty, in having
sold coupons with which to pay taxes, and
acted as the agent for the sale of Them
The case came up before the court last
week, and Judge Latham quashed the in
dictments. holding that the statute does
not contemplate proceedings under indict-
menl, but simply by information filed by
some party aggrieved. He also held that
the act goes to the extent of obtaining i'm
portant advice from counsel to client, and
also pronounced it unconstitutional in that
it impaired the obligation of contract. He
further maintained that the State meant
to guarantee creditors the right to protect